gecko

American  

[gek-oh] / ˈgɛk oʊ /

noun

plural

geckos, geckoes

1. any of numerous small, mostly nocturnal tropical lizards of the family Gekkonidae, usually having toe pads that can cling to smooth surfaces: the largest species, Gekko gecko, is sometimes kept as a pet.

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gecko British  

/ ˈɡɛkəʊ /

noun

1. any small insectivorous terrestrial lizard of the family Gekkonidae, of warm regions. The digits have adhesive pads, which enable these animals to climb on smooth surfaces

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Etymology

Origin of gecko

1705–15; < New Latin gekko < Dutch; origin uncertain; alleged to be a Malay word imitative of the lizard's call.

Explanation

A gecko is a small reptile with sticky feet that help it to climb smooth surfaces. In many warm parts of the world, geckos are commonly found on windows, doors, and ceilings. Most geckos are green, although these little reptiles come in nearly every color you can imagine, from brown to electric blue. Their skin is hairy, unlike the thick, rough scales of many lizards. In addition to their famously sticky feet, geckos are notable for their lack of eyelids (they lick their eyeballs to keep them moist), and "scored" tails that snap off easily in the clutches of a predator and grow back rapidly.

Example Sentences

Her favorite is their outdoor table, which Greene crafted from leftover teak and inlaid with gecko leaves, a nod to her late mother’s favorite plant.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2025

For people who prefer to use a common term, the authors suggest "Van Gogh’s starry dwarf gecko."

From Salon • Apr. 2, 2024

"It is one of the earliest known gecko relatives in the fossil record," Meyer said.

From Science Daily • Nov. 29, 2023

It’s also famous for quirky TV ads and its current mascot, a gecko with an English accent named Martin.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 19, 2023

A wall gecko had scuttled out from behind the wood-framed photo of Odenigbo in a graduating gown, and Ugwu shouted, “Egbukwala! Don’t kill it!”

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie